Summer Shape Up!/ASICS Shoe Giveaway!

Monday I talked a lot about wanting to make sure that I did a lot more relaxing, and having more of a carefree time this summer. A huge part of that for me involves being active at least six times a week, and eating as many simple and healthy meals as possible. Although no summer is complete without indulging in the occasional juicy burger…and a good craft beer.

One of my big struggles has always been eating healthy on a budget. I have yet to master that in my world. It doesn’t help that I’m super klutzy, and do things like knock over a brand new container of raw almonds on the floor, which were not cheap! I would have totally done the five second rule, but they fell just a little too close to my cat’s litter box, and sorry but I’m not that adventurous!

I marvel when I see certain blogger’s food budgets at around $100 per month. Holy crap!!! How is that even possible? Last month I spent nearly $600 on myself, and although I know I can do WAY better than that, I’m still going to fall somewhere around $400/month. Someone asked me if that included eating out, which it doesn’t. That falls under my Life Expenses category, but I maybe eat out 2-3 times per month.

The good news is it’s really healthy stuff, and (knock on wood), I feel very fortunate to feel in very good health, so that keeps other costs (like medical) a lot lower than if I was someone who had to take a bunch of medication, or need other kinds of constant medical attention (again, knock on wood). So I guess in the end it’s probably a good investment.

The third pillar in my whole health and wellness journey (after exercise and nutrition), and probably the most important in a way for me right now, is taking better mental care of myself. I stress out and get overwhelmed very easy, especially when it comes to my job. Taking better care of my financial life has been a huge step in the right direction over the last couple of years to alleviate stress, but there are still things I need to work on changing, and being able to accept what I can’t change.

Not just professionally but personally as well. I spoke in this post about wanting to be more Type B (although I’m realizing I’m probably more of a Type A- than a straight up Type A+, so that’s good), so I’ve been reading a book on stress, which has been really helpful.

I realize one of my triggers of frustration is people not operating on my schedule…damn them! 🙂 When I set my mind on a task, I like to get it done, but if it involves other people’s help or participation, they may not always operate like I do. So things may not always get done in the time frame I’d like them to get it done. If it’s life or death or something that has a hard deadline, that’s one thing, but rarely is it ever that urgent, so learning to let that go and be patient will only help me be a calmer person.

So those are what I consider the three pillars of health: exercise, nutrition, and good mental health.

In an effort to help you jump start one of those pillars (exercise), ASICS is giving me the opportunity to give away a pair of GEL-Electro33 natural running shoes, which is one of the new editions to their Natural33 line (US Residents only. Sorry international folks!). I’ve been told that it’s one of Olympic gold medalist (beach volleyball) Kerri Walsh’s favorite shoes to train in.

The winner will receive a promo code to pick out the style (men’s or women’s) and color of shoe they would like!

Ooo I want to win! I need a reason to get motivated about running/exercise. I bike but that is about it. I know what you are saying about being frustrated that other people don’t operate on your schedule.

Sleep has become hugely important to me and I consider it a part of the mental health. I still can’t believe I go to bed around 10:30 and wake up at 6 or 6:30 (makes me feel old in that regard), but it’s better to wake up feeling refreshed.

debtfreeoneday

I struggle eating healthily on a budget, it’s something that I’m not really happy about but right now we are compromising on our food budget to try and get out of debt. I’d love to be able to go to the shop whenever I’d like and pick up some nice salmon or chicken so I can have a low carb meal that fills me up. But the reality is that we eat meat just a couple of times a week and fill up on carbs because it’s cheaper. And I already do eat fruit and veggies rather than junk food. But I don’t feel all that healthy right now. 🙁 Another priority is making sure my daughter is getting a balanced diet so she comes first in the food department at our house.

I do agree that carbs (like pasta) is a lot cheaper, but as I got closer to 40 I realize that I couldn’t eat that as much without gaining weight, so it’s a special treat now, like the burger. I know you are sacrificing a lot right now to get out of debt, so I understand…

Holly Johnson

Nice giveaway! We also struggle to eat healthy on a budget, and I’m sure our grocery budget will get bigger as our kids get older. They’re only 3 and 5 now, so they don’t eat a lot! =)

I do believe that healthy food is a good investment, so sometimes I don’t mind to spend more money on organic food. I know how it feels like not liking to rely on other people’s help! I try to minimize outsourcing my work as much as I can and to make sure than the work that I need to outsource doesn’t become a bottleneck in my process flow.

I like spending money on healthy food, but I’ll also have a food budget that I try to stay within. Personally, I am running 5 times a week and eating healthy, so if I spend more than I budgeted on food, I’ll try to use money from a side hustle and not feel bad about it.

You sound like you do a good job balancing it all. As long as I’m bringing in more than I’m spending…and that includes savings too, I don’t feel too bad about it. 600..yes, too much, but 400 not so bad.

“…people not operating on my schedule…” We just had an experience related to this on our most recent vacation. I wrote about that today, basically saying that being flexible helps me relieve the frustration and anger (a bit) of plans not working out the way I want them to. It’s definitely tough when unexpected situations happen or when people drag their feet. But some times you just have to be flexible and go with it…and maybe laugh at how crazy the situation has become.

Realizing this has been a HUGE thing for me. I never realized just how much it stressed me out. But Type B people don’t seem to mind little inconveniences, so I’m working on it. 🙂 Glad you at least made it to CP. I really want to go now!

hollyrere

Tennis is my favorite activity even though it’s tough to always fit it in with a bad knee. Maybe I just need some better shoes?? lol

I really like your “three pillars” perspective, Tonya. The cool thing is that they all feed on each other – being physically active helps to achieve mental health, and fueling your body with nutritious food helps you to stay active. Nutrition is what I’m really concentrating on right now – I agree with the need for that juicy burger every now and then, but I want to cut down on how much I use food as entertainment – food is fuel……and if I want to perform optimally I need to give myself the right fuel.

They do all work together. And the burger…yes, a special treat. I love the gourmet burgers which are so popular right now. There are some amazing burger places around here! OK now I’m hungry…

JR

great love the running shoes!

Shannon

It is really hard to eat well on a budget. I have limited my organic food options to only “essentials” and that helped lower some of mine. I challenge myself to find good/cheap meals on Pinterest and I have become a huge fan of garbanzo beans and have found numerous ways to incorporate them into meal. At less than a $1 a can, it has been awesome. And I am actually due for a new pair of running shoes, so I would love to win these!

I actually buy the hummus but I put it on just about everything. I’m sure it would be cheaper if I made it but I’m addicted to Trader Joe’s Mediterranean Hummus. We call it “Yummis” I’m such a bad cook, which complicates things even more.

Meg

My favorite way is to use my Wii! I put on Just Dance 2014 and dance for as long as I can stand it! Ah, my arms hurt just thinking about it. Thanks for the giveaway!

So fun! I’ve done X-box Just Dance (I think that’s the name) at a friend’s house and we have a blast. It’s surprising how much you actually sweat and get a workout in, and it’s fun.

Joe Carr

Tonya, too bad we can’t “communalize” (not a valid term probably) healthy eating where a group of 5 or 6 take turns coming healthy meals and everyone pitches in. It’s less expense per person, and the sense of community adds to the healthiness.

I think it’s a great idea Joe. I think things like that do exist. I’m not sure anyone wants my cooking though. 🙂 See ya on the beach!

Brooke Walker

It is so hard to eat healty on a budget! I have to make sacrices to do so! Like bringing my lunch everyday and not eating out very often period. You are really inspiring me on the budget homefront! SWEET giveaway!!

Love this, Tonya! They all feed into one another. I see some grocery budgets of other family’s and it boggles my mind too. I don’t know how they do it! 🙂 Eating healthy is very important to me too and I am willing to have a higher than average grocery bill because of it. Mental stress is the area for me that needs the most work. Exercise definitely helps and I’ve started mediating, which is making a huge difference for me too.

Eating healthy is tough, and honestly I’m sometimes willing to pay more for healthier foods. Not entirely related but I caved this week and paid a dollar move for the cage-free eggs. Sometimes I feel like it makes sense to pay more for things.

Anyway I NEED these shoes, they look awesome! I would probably choose the black and green ones.

I go back and forth with things like eggs and chicken and what quality I buy. It depends if it’s the first of the month or the last. lol! Good luck with the contest…you’ve been on a winning streak lately so who knows!

Liz

I personally enjoy walking, and biking. I really just enjoy being outside so as long as the exercise involves the outdoors I would be happy : ) I think mental health is a huge piece of the overall wellness puzzle. I don’t know what the exact fact is, but I hear that being too stressed out will actually cause you to build up more fat in your body. Not good! I’m constantly working on managing the stress too.

yeah I heard that too. And not getting enough sleep (maybe because you are anxious) also creates a hormone I think that makes you feel hungrier so you eat more. I think stress sneaks up on you in ways that are really, really bad. Gotta love those outdoor activities. About to head to the beach in an hour!

Brad @ How To Save Money

I am eating on a little over $200 a month at the moment. Recent tragedies are forcing me to economize. I have to say that the trade off for eating cheap is that I am eating a lot of food that is not good for me. Tons of carbs. Carbs are cheap. But they are also really bad for me, at least in the quantity I have to eat them. It is no wonder to me that we are a nation of fat people. Many can’t afford to eat a healthy diet and have a roof over their heads!

I’m so sorry your facing some tough times right now Brad. I agree that non-healthy food is a lot cheaper. It angers me to see so many fast food restaurants in lower income areas. And places that are food deserts in low income areas. Things like pasta are really cheap, and in small doses totally OK, but for me too much of that and I could easily gain weight, especially around my middle, and feel more sluggish. I hope things turn around and you can spend a little more in that area!

I love this, Tonya. Those are all things that I need to work as well. The sad thing is I don’t even feel like I’m doing good in any of those areas, which really bums me out. I need to really sit down and reevaluate and recommit because I have let things slide and it shows … everywhere. And I feel pretty darn pissed off about too! You’ll laugh but I keep telling myself Other Tonya wasn’t a natural athlete and now she loves working out. 🙂 I will get there!

lol I love “OT” “other Tonya” 🙂 When I started my fitness journey it really was only walking around this lake (about 2.5 miles) in Seattle. It wasn’t a hard workout at all but it started me on the routine. If that doesn’t work, come on up here and learn beach volleyball and you will get addicted.

E.M.

Mental health is such an important part of our overall well-being, and a lot of people gloss over it! I know I feel a lot better when I’m at ease, not worrying about a million things. Stress impacts everything. That said, taking walks is one of my favorite ways to “wind down,” and I love my current pair of Asics. My boyfriend swears by them so I purchased a pair a few years ago. He could use a new pair himself; he wore a hole in the sole of his current pair!

I struggle with eating healthy on a budget. I’m not quite in the $600 range, but I certainly couldn’t do $100 a month! I’m sure a lot depends on your city and organic/quality produce can be quite pricey here in New York. I also can’t grow any of my own food.

I shouldn’t be in the $600 range, and last month will be a one off, but it definitely will always be around $400. I guess as long as I’m under budget overall and still save money it’s OK!

Dorena

My favorite way to exercise is running because I can run alone and almost anywhere but I also love playing tennis and mountain biking.

Nicole-Lynn

My favorite way to exercise is with my baby girl whose 7 months old! We get out of the house, go for walks, playdates at the park with friends, stroller/baby bootcamp, etc. making exercising fun is important, so I don’t get bored! I’m a SAHM, on one income, I desperately need some new shoes. Thanks for the opportunity!

Natasha Manchester

Yoga!!! Ashtanga and Bikram, I’ve lost 20 lbs so far and I’m loving every second of it!

Bonnie S.

I love running and have recently gotten into cycling as well. Signed up for my first marathon so I am excited!

John Niedzwiecki

I love to run, which surprised me when I found out. Haha. Also love playing any sport.

Amy

I love running and swimming. Also enjoying biking 🙂

Kali @ Common Sense Millennial

Awesome giveaway, Tonya! I’m so excited that I finally have time to run regularly again — definitely my favorite way to exercise 🙂

Kim

I think it’s always good to cut costs but if you are OK with your food budget and love what you eat, I wouldn’t beat myself up. That does suck to waste almonds though. I love those shoes. Thanks for the giveaway.

Tre

Right now I’m obsessed with Insanity and kayaking! I love when the weather gets warm and I can get out on the water.

usnamom2014

I love to rollerblade and go to the gym

Amy

I like to run while listening to music! Swimming in the ocean during the summertime is also a great and fun way to exercise!

Cashville Skyline

Running and yoga seem to be very helpful in managing stress for me. I’ve just gotten back into jogging, and I’m feeling great so far. I struggle with the healthy eating budget too! I love Joe’s idea about communalizing health meals. Why is it always such a challenge? I suppose it’s like everything else, if I make time for it, it will happen.

Those sure are purdy shoes! I think living in the moment will really help you with that type of stress, Tonya. I know it helps me and I can get quite frustrated when people don’t do things on my timeline too …. chop! chop! The Power of Now by Eckhardt Tolle is what I’ve read (twice!, LOL)

Jordan Dunne

I love yoga and pilates, with the occasional kettlebell class thrown into the mix

Lauren Eggers

I like to go hiking for exercise. Not too tough on my joints, and out of the sun

I like to go to a small local gym. My trainer gives me a mix of cardio and strength training.

D Schmidt

My favorite way to exercise is running on the treadmill

John Niedzwiecki

I love to run. I never did growing up, unless it was running as part of the first (i.e. running the bases while playing baseball). Otherwise, I detested it (like running the mile for gym). While I trained for my first half, I found myself enjoying it. 2 halfs, a 10 miler and a handful of shorter races later, I LOVE it.

Laurel C

Definitely running and cycling!

Courtney Bella

i like to work on the treadmill !:) or any of the machines in the gym!

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